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VOLUME 41 NO. 1

SINGAPORE FORCE CHANGE OF COMMAND Heroes with Humility Welcoming SPF’s First Jubilee Baby 02 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 03

CONTENTS IT HAS BEEN 03 04 06 It Has Been a Tremendous Police Force An Instinct Worth A TREMENDOUS Privilege and Honour Change of Command Its Weight in Gold PRIVILEGE AND 07 07 HONOUR Heroes with Happenings Humility Mr Ng Joo Hee, the former Commissioner of Police, gave this speech at the Change of Command Ceremony on 5 January 2015. 08 10 11 “Men and women of the Singapore Police Force, Thank you for this parade. Singapore Police Force My View Knowing Our Organisational Chart Korean Counterparts GOODBYE oday is my last day as the Commissioner of Police. Today is also my last day as a police . TI joined the police as a 19-year-old while serving NS in the Army straight after “A” levels. After signing on, I immediately left to attend Oxford University in England. On finishing university, I 11 12 13 returned to Singapore and started police work without a pause. Read & Win! Twins and Triplets Welcoming SPF’s I was briefly an investigator at Clementi, before getting posted to ISD. As a young ASP, I had spent a Bring Joy First Jubilee Baby year in Cambodia. I was then given the task of setting up and leading the STAR Unit. After STAR, I was seconded to the Ministry of Trade and Industry. At MTI, I dealt with water policy, so it is pleasantly ironical that tomorrow I will head the PUB, Singapore’s national water agency. After MTI, I decided to go back to school, went on to Harvard University and signed another bond with the Police. 14 15 After Harvard, I came back to the police and commanded , became the The SPF’s Crisis 16 Police Enlist Foreign Domestic One of Us deputy director in CID, and then subsequently Director of Police Intelligence. Workers to Help Fight Crime Negotiation Unit I was then asked to leave the police again, this time to lead the Prison Service. But after only two short years in , the Prime Minister decided that I should become the Commissioner of Police. It has been a tremendous privilege and honour to have been the these five years. NOTE FROM THE TEAM COMMITTEE For five years, my only motivation for coming to work every morning has been the grave responsibility that I have for the more than 10,000 officers in our police force, and for our mission of safeguarding A new year represents a fresh start and a new beginning. Here at Police Life, Editorial Advisor public safety in Singapore. AC we will be introducing new segments to freshen up your reading experience. When I am finally done at the end of today, I would have completed 29.5 years as a police officer. Chief Editor Starting from this issue, expect to hear more perspectives – from the DAC Tan Tin Wee This is a long time. plans and aspirations of key officers in the Force (page 3) to snippets of Senior Editor Today, I say goodbye to the SPF and to every policeman and policewoman. the experiences of those undertaking lesser-publicised roles in the Force Ms Leena Rajan (page 15) to the recounting of quirky habits and encounters of various I bid you a fond farewell. And I wish that every one of you will have enriching careers, and live long and happy lives. officers (page 16). We are even giving the objects and equipments we use Editor Ms Tham Yee Lin or encounter daily a chance to “voice” their own views (page 10)! Journalists The community, being our valuable partners in making Singapore the safest Ms Chew Si Lei Jinnie THANK YOU place in the world, also get recognised on page 14. Be it our regular taxi uncle, SC/Cpl Gabriel Chan Duen Yue Fellow officers, I also want to say thank you. SC Mok Wen Jie the dedicated Crime Prevention Ambassador or a Neighbourhood Watch I want to thank each and every police officer. Zone member, their voices are heard and efforts recognised on this page. Photographers SSgt Chee Yong Tat I want to thank you for choosing to be police officers, and for choosing to continue to be police AC Melvin Yong officers. Editorial Advisor For greater interactivity and excitement, we are bringing back monthly SC/Cpl Gabriel Chan Duen Yue Police Life contests on page 11. As before, entering the contests will be fuss-free. We SC Mok Wen Jie I want to thank you for your commitment to the policing mission, for your devotion to our values, look forward to your active participation! Design and Production and for your dedication to your work. Redbean De Pte Ltd Finally, as we celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday, we bring you highlights Fellow officers, you are a national treasure. and updates about the Force’s role in this grand celebration, starting off with Your daily toil may often go unappreciated, but it is the stuff that produces the safety-from-crime the first SG50 Jubilee baby born to our very own officer! that we enjoy every day.

With this year set to be an exciting one, we hope that you will find each issue Your collective effort is equivalent to performing a miracle for our country, every day, day after day. an interesting read, and that you will continue supporting Police Life for Truly, you are among the 10,000 that defend and protect the five million. another 50 years or more! Police Life is a publication of the Singapore Police Force. For feedback or enquiries, please write to Fellow officers, thank you for standing with me these past five years. the editorial team at [email protected]. The materials in this publication are not to be reproduced I only hope that my leadership has been worthy of your hard work and sacrifice. in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the Editorial Committee. All rights reserved. Fellow officers, good luck and Godspeed! Whilst we tried to ensure that information provided is up-to-date and accurate, the publisher will not be Goodbye and thank you.” responsible for any errors or omissions.

facebook.com/singaporepoliceforce twitter.com/singaporepolice youtube.com/spfcommunityoutreach Police@SG iPhone / Android App www.police.gov.sg SSgt Chee Yong Tat 04 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 05 SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE CHANGE OF

By ASP Tan Ming Jie COMMAND Public Affairs Department The new year marked a new era for the Singapore Police Force (SPF) as we welcomed our new commissioner.

r Hoong Wee Teck has taken over command of SPF from Mr Ng Joo Hee as the Commissioner Mof Police (CP), in a Change of Command Ceremony held at (HTA) on Monday, 5 January 2015.

Mr Hoong Wee Teck, 51, has served 27 years in the SPF. He has held various leadership appointments, including that of Deputy Commissioner (Investigations and Intelligence), Director Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Director Police Intelligence Department (PID) and Commander Police Division. He has also served a stint in the then Singapore Immigration & Registration Department as Deputy Director (Enforcement).

On his appointment as CP, Mr Hoong said: “It is a great honour to be in this position to lead a Force of highly committed and professional men and women. The previous Commissioners have done an excellent job in building a strong foundation of professionalism and community trust. I will continue to strengthen this foundation, and leverage technology and innovation to bring SPF’s crime fighting capabilities to a new level. Together, my officers and I will work towards realising our vision of Singapore becoming the safest city in the world.”

Mr Ng Joo Hee, 48, who had led SPF for close to five years, will assume a new appointment as Chief Executive, Public Utilities Board (PUB), and concurrent Deputy Secretary (Special Duties), Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) on 6 January 2015. He will bring to PUB and MEWR his experience gleaned from 29 years of his distinguished career in SPF and MHA.

We thank Mr Ng Joo Hee for his strong leadership as our Commissioner of Police and wish him every success in his next appointment.

SSgt Chee Yong Tat 06 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 07

HAPPENINGS

Towards Responsible Drinking “Don’t drive to drink. And you’ll never drink and drive”. The STCars Anti-Drink Drive Campaign was launched on 11 December 2014 to remind AN INSTINCT HEROES the motoring community to exercise personal WORTH ITS WEIGHT WITH HUMILITY responsibility and of the dangers of driving after alcohol consumption. Family members and friends By SC (NS) Muhammad Idaffi Othman of drinkers were targeted in 2014’s campaign to help IN GOLD By SC/Cpl Gabriel Chan Duen Yue eschew drink-driving. All Is Calm, All Is Bright Sometimes, we jump at the opportunity to make monetary profits without giving it much On 2014’s Christmas Eve, nearly 400 officers from forethought. However, we must not allow greed to cloud our judgment. Here is one scenario: the , the Special Operations Command and the Public Transport Security man donned in dirty clothes You might drag your heels upon Command (TransCom) were deployed around Clarke walks up to you and reveals hearing his request. Nonetheless, Quay and Orchard Road to ensure that everyone that he is a construction he assures you to take your time to enjoyed a peaceful Christmas celebration in town. Aworker. Certainly, he appears nothing consider and make your finding. Your more than just a humble man. He then doubts vanish when that thin gold shows you a heap of gold ingots that slip turns out to be authentic upon he has unearthed while excavating the ground at an unknown site in verification with the goldsmith. That Singapore and earnestly implore for revelation would perhaps now give your help to sell these gold ingots. you ideas. It seems like a lucrative He even backs up the reliability of his deal – you just have to negotiate a newfound discovery with old Chinese price; buy all the gold ingots off him; manuscripts (which appear to be an and then sell them off at a higher rate old will) and demonstrates that the to make several thousand dollars in gold ingots are real by cutting out a profits! Would you resist that impulse A lunch-hour armed robbery in the busy Raffles Place area on 14 thin piece of gold and handing it to you and let the opportunity disappear? for inspection. November 2014 took by surprise. While the bleeding victim was being tended to by passers-by, the robber was chased One businessman, who was a thin piece of genuine gold and a down by other members of the public. approached by two Chinese nationals Chinese manuscript. in late November 2014, had an inkling n 11 December 2014, three of these Mr Nazir, who coincidentally just completed his Mr Chin subsequently received an that their story was fake. heroes were commended by the Police for third cycle with the Central Police Division award for public spiritedness from the their public-spiritedness. While all three a week before the incident occurred, attributed Welcome 2015 The businessman also had his friend Central Police Division. Oindividuals rendered assistance in different ways his skill to his NS training, citing the annual Police While Singapore ushered in the New Year, slightly to thank. His friend, Lianhe Wanbao during the incident, we observed that they had Commander of Central Police Division, Defence Tactics re-certification as an example. He over a thousand officers from TransCom as well as associate editor Mr Chin Khai Song, one thing in common: humility. All of them said that Deputy of also thanked the passers-by who provided support the Central, Clementi, Tanglin and Jurong Police advised him that it could be a scam. it was not solely their own effort, but a collective Police (DAC) Daniel Tan, commended while he tried to call the Police. Divisions were deployed island-wide to deter and Despite obtaining the results from effort of many passers-by rolling up their sleeves to detect crime. his officers for their excellent various goldsmiths that the thin slip of render assistance in their own ways. investigations which led to the arrest Mr Wilson Benedict Lim Ye Xiang gold was real, he did not succumb to the suspects on the same day the (above, left) Helping Hands the temptation but instead, reported Dr Jacqueline Yam Pei Fan report was received. DAC Tan reminded “I did not help much actually. Unlike Dr Yam or On 3 January 2015, a Disaster Victim Identification the matter to the police. (above, centre) members of the public “not to let your Nazir who had skills in lifesaving and policing (DVI) team comprising six officers from the “If not for the other passers-by who continuously guard down.” If you suspect something tactics respectively, I was only there to assist Nazir Singapore Police Force and two forensic experts The businessman contacted the two provided me with their own personal items such as amiss, you should report the matter to to ensure that the suspect did not struggle while from the Health Sciences Authority were deployed Chinese nationals and agreed to their tissue papers and towels, I would not be able to the Police at the earliest opportunity. to Indonesia. They were to assist local counterparts offer. The police then set up an ambush Nazir called the Police.” effectively render first aid to the victim. I am very in the identification of victims from AirAsia flight for them. The criminals were swiftly glad to hear that the victim is recovering well.” Mr Lim did not care if his office attire had unwanted QZ8501 that crashed on 28 December 2014. We will apprehended when they were about Dr Yam, who has been a medical doctor since 1999, stains. He persisted in helping to the best of his bring you the DVI team’s stories in upcoming issues to make the deal and police seized STAY IN THE was in her clinic when two passers-by dashed in to ability. He also emphasised that the public should of Police Life. their hoard of over 200 ‘gold’ ingots. inform her about the incident. With a First Aid Kit be more pro-active in helping in such situations Another accomplice was nabbed in in her hand, she immediately rushed to where the instead of merely standing around to record videos subsequent investigations. This is LOOP! victim was lying. Together with other passers-by, or capture photographs. an exemplary display of cooperation she successfully stopped the flow of blood from the In the year 2013 (Episode 7), between members of the public and victim’s wounds, while waiting for the paramedics. This incident is a great “testimony” to community- the Singapore Police Force. Crimewatch featured a ‘Gold driven policing. Every person can help protect Ingot Scam’ case whereby its Mr Mohamed Nazir S/O Abdul our community and make Singapore the safest True enough, the ‘gold’ ingots turned modus operandi was similar to Rahiman (above, right) place in the world. Commander of Central Police out to be bogus. The ingots were that of the one mentioned in this “If not for my Police National Service (NS) training Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of actually painted gold despite being article. Watch Crimewatch for during my NS days and my reservist stints, I might Police (DAC) Daniel Tan added that “The brave, similar in weight to actual ones. more useful advices on how not not be able to pin the suspect down effectively selfless and civic-minded individuals truly deserve Other items seized included six to fall prey to crimes! without injuring him as I noticed he was breathless to be commended for playing an important role in gold-coloured mini Buddha statues, after running away for quite a distance.” assisting Police.” Kudos to you, heroes!

SC/Cpl Gabriel Chan Duen Yue SC (NS) Muhammad Idaffi Othman( Top left), SSgt Yu Wan Ling, Tanglin Police Division (Top right) and SSgt Chee Yong Tat (Bottom right) 08 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 09 SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE ORGANISATION STRUCTURE Correct as of 31 Jan 2015

Lim Kok Thai Hoong Wee Teck Deputy Commissioner Commisioner of Police (Policy)

Tan Chye Hee Lau Peet Meng Deputy Commissioner Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigations of Police (Operations) & Intelligence)

ADMINISTRATION INSPECTORATE INTERNAL AFFAIRS INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER PLANNING & POLICE LOGISTICS POLICE NATIONAL AND FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE OFFICE COOPERATION DEPARTMENT ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT SERVICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OFFICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT AC Paramjit Singh SAC Tan Hung Hooi AC Cheang Keng Keong DAC Manimaran DAC Lee Chwee Huat AC Lee Chin Ek DAC Cheong Chee Ming AC Teo Chun Ching Pushpanatan

POLICE TECHNOLOGY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SERVICE DELIVERY VOLUNTEER SPECIAL POLICE LICENSING & OPERATIONS COMMERCIAL CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT CONSTABULARY REGULATORY DEPARTMENT AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT Mr Tay Yeow Koon AC Melvin Yong DAC Maria Oh DAC Chua Chuan Seng DEPARTMENT DC Lau Peet Meng AC Jessica Kwok Mr Tan Boon Gin DC Tan Chye Hee

POLICE POLICE COAST SECURITY SPECIAL TRAFFIC POLICE PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTELLIGENCE DIVISION CONTINGENT GUARD COMMAND OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT SECURITY COMMAND DEPARTMENT COMMAND SAC Zuraidah AC Mark Lindsay SAC Hsu Sin Yun AC Lim Chee Pheng AC Sam Tee DAC Lee Su Peng AC Florence Chua Abdullah Ross Forman AC David Scott Arul

HOME TEAM TRAINING CENTRAL POLICE CLEMENTI POLICE TANGLIN POLICE POLICE BEDOK POLICE JURONG POLICE SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL COMMAND DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION INVESTIGATION SAC Loy Chye Meng DAC Daniel Tan AC Gerald Lim DAC Lu Yeow Lim DAC Lian Ghim Hua DAC Alvin Moh DAC Wilson Lim SAC Loy Chye Meng 10 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 11 KNOWING OUR By SC Mok Wen Jie MY VIEW By Asp Wong Rong Kai, Central Police Division and Ms Jinnie Chew Being a police officer is a tough but rewarding job, and this KOREAN is no different for an anti-shop theft standee such as me! Nothing is more rewarding than helping to spread the critical Anti-shop theft standee message: “Shop Theft is a crime!” n 14 November 2014, a capabilities in tackling a variety of cyber ecently, it has become easier for me to spread that message, with a large number of people COUNTERPARTSdelegation of 28 Singapore crimes are very advanced, and are kept coming up to take photos with me and uploading them to the internet. Our anti-shop theft Police Force (SPF) officers went sharp through constant threats from Oon an overseas study visit to South Korea. abroad,” said ASP Wong. message can spread further and faster than ever, and Singapore can become ever safer Ragainst shop theft! Oh look, here is another person who wants to help spread the good word… The members in the delegation At the KPNA’s scientific investigation came from various departments and centre, the delegation was introduced operational units within the SPF. The to various new techniques and aim of this visit was to broaden the technologies developed by the Anti-shop theft standee members’ perspectives and learn from KPNA, such as the portable Faraday the new ideas and technologies of the Cages carried by their Crime Scene Korean Agency (KNPA). Investigation officers and their fingerprint database system. The The KNPA warmly welcomed the SPF Faraday Cages, in particular, was an delegation at their headquarters in interesting contraption that allowed Seoul. The visit had to be shortened ground officers to seize electronic items from two days to one due to a large and insulate them from any external police deployment in Seoul in response wireless interference. to a protest held by thousands of farmers against the China Free After a visit to the Korean Police Trade Agreements. Nevertheless, the Heritage Museum, the Seoul Public delegation still gained much insight Security Force Command put up an being part of the outdoor demonstration left an everlasting mark on the SPF from the KPNA’s generous sharing. excellent show of force in their realistic held during winter. officers, who came back to Singapore demonstration of their capabilities The KPNA officers began by sharing inspired to find opportunities to apply against rioters. The troopers displayed With actual stones and Molotov cocktails Chinese New Year is almost their crime investigation expertise in the the knowledge they have gained. their well-drilled routines and hurled at the officers, they depicted a upon us! I really enjoy the Cyber Bureau’s office. riot scene so realistic that “tears welled festive mood. However, formations much to the excitement As Staff Sergeant Zenden Loh, Officer- Assistant of Police of the delegation, and shared their up” in the eyes of Ms Serene Kok, we must not let our guard in-Charge Communications from the (ASP) Wong Rong Kai, Team Leader down, as criminals will look various locally developed technologies, finance officer from the Administration from Neighbourhood Police Public Transport Security Command for opportunities to prey on vehicular anti-riot capabilities and gear. and Finance department. Centre (NPC) was particularly put it, “Crime fighting isn’t only done unwary victims. Commendably, the officers playing the impressed with the KPNA’s efforts roles of the rioters had to endure being It was the graciousness, generosity within Singapore, so it is important that in combating cyber crime. “Their drenched by strong jets of water while and great capabilities of the KPNA that we learn from each other and grow.” Hmm, that person in the grey hooded jacket did look suspicious. Good thing that the Community Policing Unit officers are speaking to him. Although I am around to deter shop Give us all the correct answers to this crossword puzzle and win one of 10 theft, my fellow officers continue to bevigilant R EAD & WIN! exclusive SPF pouches! and look out for suspicious activity. Email your answers, full name, NRIC number and contact number to [email protected] by 6 March 2015. Only the first entry will be considered. 1 5 This contest is open to all persons residing in Singapore. 7 Across 1 SPF’s new commissioner said he will “leverage technology and 2 innovation to bring SPF’s crime ______capabilities to a new level”. 2 The father of SPF’s first jubilee baby works at the ______Command 3 The point-of-view of the Anti-shop _____ standee is found on page 10

6 3 4 Besides jogging, of Police Zeya is cheered up by his ______photo frame Down 1 ______Cage – A device used by the Korean National Police Good day Missus, you would like to Agency take a photo of me with this young 5 Even when offered lots of gold, we must not allow ______to cloud lady? Sure! Hope the photo turns out 4 our judgment good. Please help spread the message! 6 Mr Tee Tua Ba was the chief of ______Police when he negotiated with terrorists who hijacked a boat

7 One of the 32 departments in the SPF: Police ______Regulatory Department

SC Mok Wen Jie SSgt Tok Wee Peng, 12 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 13 TWINS AND TRIPLETS WELCOMING

By Reproduced from Police Life 1990

BRINGth JOY SPF’S FIRST While the nation celebrated its 25 birthday on a massive islandwide scale, three blissful officers from “J” Division were celebrating more birthdays. Ms Ines Yeo By ne of them was Sgt Peng Ming Kok, currently Public Affairs Department attached to Team Policing, Team “C” of JUBILEE BABY Jurong Police Station. Sgt Peng has served Oin the Force for sixteen years. And the source of their When he was choosing With Jared being their second child, SI work. As a course manager, he teaches Chee and his wife are more prepared and trainees essential police knowledge that happiness? Mrs Peng has just given birth to triplets! a name for his son who are looking forward to repeating the growing will allow them to perform their duties as “Initially, I was a little shocked when I discovered that was born on the midnight up process that they had gone through Police National Service Full-time officers. we were going to have three more babies, but it soon with their daughter, who is now three years that marks Singapore’s old. Equipped with the SG50 Baby Jubilee SI Chee highlights his interaction with turned to happiness,” said Sgt Peng. 50th birthday, Station Gift, which they found “very useful and the younger generation as a distinctive feature of his work at SPF. “Because I Cherrie, Cheryl and Cherill were born in the National comprehensive,” SI Chee and his wife are (SI) Chee Kuan all set to begin a new chapter in their lives. have to give them instructions, I am like University Hospital on 11 May 1990. The pretty lasses Eng received suggestions their boss. At the same time, I am also weighed 5.7 lbs, 5.3 lbs and 6.2 lbs at birth. Supportive structure of the SPF their nanny because I have to take care of such as ‘Temasek’, their well-being.” Another very happy couple was WPC Alice Goh ‘Jubilee’ and ‘Sang Nila’. SI Chee is not worried about juggling his Siew Hiang and her husband Mr Hammond Wong. family commitments and his work at the His experience as a father figure in Alice gave birth to twins – a boy and a girl – on 16 Eventually, he decided Training Command (TRACOM). The 20 TRACOM will likely come in handy as he February 1990. Elder sister Bayleen weighed 5.8 lbs to name his baby Jared, year veteran of the Singapore Police Force raises his two children. Having served (SPF) recalls the days when his first child National Service (NS) and taught as a and brother Baylor was 5.7 lbs at birth. The Pengs with Cherrie, Cheryl and Cherill following the initials was born. At that time, he had to cope course manager in TRACOM, he believes As WPC Alice puts it, “With two more babies around, of Jared’s older with the new demands of being a father that he will have much to share with his the family will definitely be happier.” and caring for his mother-in-law who was son when his son finally serves NS years sister, Jadelyn. unwell, all on top of his workload. Citing his down the road. 19 June 1990 is also a memorable day for DPC colleagues as sources of help he can count Ang Kok Keong who joined the Force in 1978 and is Unplanned surprise to on and the various welfare benefits that the currently attached to “J” Crime Branch. DPC Ang, Mrs kick-start 2015 SPF offers, he said, “In the Police Force, Ang and daughter Cindy welcomed the new additions xpecting their baby to be delivered you will always find a way (to cope).” to the family with much joy. Naturally, little Cindy is before 31 December, SI Chee and Meaningful work at SPF pleased to have two new playmates in brothers Andy his wife were pleasantly surprised Ewhen Jared was born at midnight on and Benny. “I love this job,” declared SI Chee. Cultivated 1 January 2015. “I was very excited since young, it is this passion for Police “We wanted to have just another baby, but I guess we because this is once in a lifetime. work that spurs him to strive for his best at scored a bonus!” said DPC Ang with a huge grin. There won’t be another golden jubilee for me.”

25 YEARS ON WPC Alice with Baylor and Bayleen in 1990 (left), and the happy family now (right)

Ms Ines Yeo By Public Affairs Department

Senior Station Inspector Alice Goh Siew Hiang’s daughter, Bayleen, is now pursuing a degree at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) while Bayleen’s twin brother Baylor is part of the Division of the . Management Support Officer Ang Kok Keong’s twins, Andy and Benny, are both schooling now, with Andy studying at the Singapore Polytechnic and Benny pursuing his degree at the SIM.

The Angs with Andy and Benny 25 years ago (left), and at a recent family gathering (right)

SC Mok Wen Jie 14 POLICE LIFE POLICE LIFE 15

Jacqueline Ng By POLICE ENLIST FOREIGN Home Team News DOMESTIC WORKERS TO HELP THE SPF’S By SC (NS) Mohamed Noh Iskandar CRISIS NEGOTIATION UNIT

he Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) comprises Psychologists and Police FIGHTDomestic Eyes on Alert programme gets CRIMEforeign domestic workers involved in crime Officers from various Police units holding detection and prevention efforts in Ang Mo Kio. Tsecondary appointments as Negotiators. The mission of the CNU is to save lives by at the event to witness the launch of the Domestic Thantarmoa’s employer also reacted positively to defusing potentially life-threatening situations Eyes on Alert programme. the initiative. through negotiation. Superintendant of Police Philip Ong Chee Kheong (PO) and Assistant Ms Sallina Ng, 43, was at the event to support “It (the programme) is good for them, because Superintendent of Police Jin Yifeng (JY) have 10 her domestic worker, Nur Khomsah, the newest Thantarmoa learnt what number to call the police. years of Negotiator experience between them, ambassador of the community programme. Before, she thought the number was 199, but now and share what it is like. she knows it is 999,” Mallina, 64, said. The owner of a domestic placement agency learnt about this initiative through a friend and encouraged Nur is enthused about participating in the training “When the CNU arrives at the scene, we will assess the demeanour of the her Indonesian helper to participate in it. workshops that is said to run twice a year. PO: subject and find out what action had already been taken by the officer-in-charge at the scene. We operate as a team. The primary Negotiator is the “voice” and may be too engrossed in the “ hen I see a suspicious character, I negotiation itself, and potentially neglect his or am prepared to alert the police,” said her own safety due to the intensity of the situation. Rosemarie Silat, a 31-year-old domestic Wworker who works in the Mayflower estate at That’s where the Number 2 Negotiator will watch Ang Mo Kio. out for his/her safety, and provide negotiation advice. The Number 3 records and updates the The Filipina – who has been in Singapore for two log book, and will also assist the Team. The years – knows how to report a crime to the police Number 4 is the “Boards Man” who updates the after participating in the Domestic Eyes on Alert various charts used by the Team. (DEOA) programme introduced by Ang Mo Kio North Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) at Lentor estate My role as a CNU Team Leader (TL) is to in October last year. coordinate with other resources at scene such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force and other The programme educates foreign domestic workers Police units. Supporting the CNU in each Team on how to watch out for crime in their private are four Psychologists, who can do a very good housing estates. psycho-analysis of the subject, the next-of-kin “I feel happy to be able to participate again this year and even our own Negotiators. because I can learn more techniques to prevent The whole support network is crucial because crimes,” said Rosemarie, beaming with delight. as a Negotiator in the hot seat, you may not “Last year, I learnt a lot of crime fighting techniques. have complete awareness of what’s happening For example, how to spot suspicious strangers and around you.” how to call the police in times of emergency. This year, “My boss asked if I wanted to join the programme. “During the workshop, foreign domestic workers will I want to learn more,” said Rosemarie, who hopes to I said yes because I can learn how to protect my be trained on how to look out for physical traits and “In one of my cases, I was assigned encourage others to join her in fighting crime. employer’s house” said Nur, 32, who has been location of suspicious people, and in such cases, JY: as the Number 2. However, I ended up working with the family for three years. how to make a police report,” said Senior Station being the main Negotiator as the female subject On 29 November, Ang Mo Kio North NPC partnered Inspector (SSI) Lim Peng Chye, officer-in-charge of preferred to talk to a female officer - the number Ms Sallina Ng and her family members turn up to Mayflower Gardens Neighbourhood Committee the Domestic Eyes on Alert programme. one officer at that time was a male. It was a little show their support for their maid, Nur Khomsah and Kebun Baru Community Centre of People’s scary. Even though we are all well trained, but in (in pink) at the Community Safety and Security Association to extend the existing programme to “For example, in the event when owners are not reality, you know that if you say the wrong thing, Programme event organised by Ang Mo Kio North domestic helpers at Mayflower estate. around, they will be well prepared to secure the the situation may end up getting out of control. NPC on Saturday, 29 November. premise,” he added. But if you follow the training, naturally what In his opening speech, Member of Parliament for Ang you’ve learnt comes into play. Mo Kio constituency Inderjit Singh said,“Singapore At the event, the participants flocked to the is a safe place, but it is not zero crime,” adding game stalls and learning booths to pick up Thus far in my short stint as a Negotiator, another that maids are recognised as important partners in crime prevention tips and tried their hands at memorable incident was the time when I was crime prevention. performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a called up in the middle of a date! Half an hour The police said maids could act as extra eyes and resuscitation manikin. into the dinner, I was activated. I had to excuse ears to look out for criminals who might be surveying myself and was so paiseh (embarrassed) that I SSI Lim said the response to the event was nd the estate in the day for targets that they could hit promised the guy to pay for the 2 dinner.” very enthusiastic. on later. “On the ground, it is definitely not an “Guest-of-Honour and Member of Parliament for Ang “It is very heartening to see the huge turnout despite PO:action movie. Whatever we do out Mo Kio constituency Inderjit Singh (left) and Deputy the rainy weather conditions. It is a surprise, and I am there when we respond to a situation is real, and Assistant Commissioner Lian Ghim Hua (right) were very happy,” he said. our mission is to save lives.”

Thomas Tan, Home Team News SC Mok Wen Jie ONE OF US

Hi, I am… Q: Zeya, and I hold the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police. I am currently a Senior Investigation Officer of the Investigation Branch in Central Police Division.

What’s one item on your desk Q: that motivates you while you are at work? It has to be my digital photo frame. It loops the photos that I took on my travelling experiences, from Europe to the US and . Looking at those pictures reminds me of how small our daily problems are and motivates me to persevere and push on no matter what the challenge is.

Where do you go for a break? Q: Our work is endless; thus there is hardly a time to take a break during work. However, should the rare occasion arises; I go a quick jog near the Police Cantonment Complex.

What is the most interesting or Q: amusing incident that you have encountered while at work? Hmm.. is someone getting arrested three times over three days for doing the exact same thing considered “amusing” or “interesting”? For the third time in three days, he had gone to the exact same place and just like the previous times, jumped in front of moving cars at the drop-off point and pretended to be knocked down, in attempts to claim insurance money from the drivers. “Amusing”? Maybe. But it also goes to show what people can resort to doing in times of desperation.

The weirdest misconception Q: you have heard about police officers is… That Police officers don’t have to pay tax.

I believe in… Q: being sincere and doing things with a clear conscience.

SSgt Chee Yong Tat